The Utah Royals will face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL semifinals on Saturday, following an upset victory over No. 2 seed San Diego Wave FC in the quarterfinals. The victory marks the first playoff appearance in the club's history, a milestone achieved after the team grew from six wins in 2025 to 14 wins during the 2026 regular season.
A Historic Playoff Run
The Royals' quarterfinal victory was attended by owner Gail Miller, who described the atmosphere in the opposing stadium as electric. Miller, who reentered women's sports in April 2025 when The Larry H. Miller Company purchased the Utah Royals FC and MLS's Real Salt Lake, noted that the team's ability to play aggressively and defend their position showed significant talent.
Turnaround on the Pitch
The team's successful season was characterized by a significant turnaround in performance. After dropping their first two matches, the Royals embarked on a 10-game unbeaten streak that included seven wins and three draws. They concluded the regular season with seven additional wins, allowing them to find themselves in the top two spots in the NWSL standings at various points during the season.
Investment in Player Health
Ownership and staff attributed the team's success to a combination of culture and increased investment in player health. Following advocacy from sporting director Kelly Cousins, Utah Soccer hired Dave Tenney as the first senior director of player health and performance for both the Royals and Real Salt Lake. This investment resulted in a 90% player availability rate, according to Miller Sports + Entertainment's vice president of communications and community, Jenny Teemsma.
Building the Swarm
Michelle Smith, President of Miller Sports + Entertainment, stated that the season has been a huge success, noting that the club's ability to attract and retain exceptional athletes is part of the 'magic' of the state of Utah. Smith highlighted that the club has focused on building a 'swarm' of fans through increased marketing, including billboards on I-15 and partnerships with local social media influencers.
Rising Fan Engagement
The Royals' growth is reflected in significant increases in fan engagement and ticket sales. According to Miller Sports + Entertainment, single-game ticket sales increased 78% from 2025. Additionally, total tickets distributed rose by 21%, and the average number of single-game tickets sold per match increased by 55%. The club also reported that nearly 90% of season ticket holders have renewed for the next season.
Affordability and Access
To expand their reach, the organization introduced a 'first match on us' promotion, which saw nearly 1,000 tickets claimed in 2026. The club maintains what Miller Sports + Entertainment describes as the most affordable pricing in the league, with season tickets starting at $150—averaging $10 per match—and single-game entry starting at $18.
Star Power and Scoring
The Royals' roster features several high-performing athletes, including Cloé Del Fava, Mina Tanaka, and Lacasse, who was ranked by ESPN as one of the top 25 NWSL players. Lacasse holds the second-most assists in the league with 10. The club's offensive output saw a 57% increase over the previous season, with the team scoring 44 goals.
